GarageBand is a trendy audio production software service for macOS and iOS devices. As well, it isn’t the best DAW for professional use, though if you need a portable DAW to play, learn, also a record – GarageBand should Assist. Although, no matter how good it is, it’s still not available for Windows. Therefore, in this article, we will see if there is a way to utilize GarageBand for Windows plus if there isn’t – what are these GarageBand Alternatives.
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Features Of GarageBand
- Thousands of Loops from famous genres like EDM, Hip Hop, and more other.
- Near-to-perfection Virtual Drummer Kit.
- Synths with shape-shifting controls.
- Audio effect plugins.
- Share finished songs through social networks.
GarageBand For Windows – Is It Possible?
However, many users try to find a way to download GarageBand for Windows – nothing works. We will recommend trying the alternatives instead of taking all the hassle to try using GarageBand in Windows. There’s no official support – thus it’s entirely useless for an experiment – because, for Audio production software utilities to work correctly, the software compatibility/hardware compatibility is crucial (which isn’t present in this case).
Note This: Every Alternative considered offers the same basic set of features required to make music. They only change in their quality of production, VSTs, plugin support, and some proprietary tools.
Best GarageBand Alternatives for Windows PC
We have only discussed the unique features for you to view the best Alternative for your use.
CUBASE Elements 9.5
The CUBASE is one of the most popular GarageBand Alternatives for Windows 10. This comes equipped with a lot of advanced tools. Well, The Cubase Elements edition is much more appropriate if you want to create music. Suppose you’d like the ability to record vocals with effects, more VST support, and lots of other professional features, so Cubase Pro should be your choice.
Though, unlike LMMS, Cubase isn’t free. All the other GarageBand alternatives mentioned below (except Tracktion 6 and Pro Tools free edition) would need a purchase. As well, In my opinion, if you want to create music forever (as a career/passion) – Cubase is worth purchasing. Whether you have the budget (100 Euros), I would say that this is the GarageBand for Windows you’ve been looking for.
Features Overview:
- Arranger Track, Unique Drum editor, Chord Pads, Premium VSTs included and Over 40 audio effect processors involved.
Pros:
- Up to 24 Physical I/O.
- Easy-to-use UI with Advanced options.
- It’s Virtual Instruments like HALion Sonic SE Workstation included.
Cons:
- Basic score editing features for music notation & composition.
- It has 16 VST Slots (if you want more, you will have to upgrade it to CUBASE Artist).
Studio One
Studio One is an impressive GarageBand alternative for Windows. So, I have been using it personally (the Studio One Artist edition). It has been priced almost the same as Cubase’s editions. Suppose you want to utilize a limited but good VSTs, the artist version will suffice. However, if 3rd party VSTs are your preference, then you will have to consider the pro version of it. As well, Studio One also supports a remote software for an iPad, or Windows tablet, Android tablet, to allow you to control the audio workstation from your smartphone. Thus, it’s more flexible and convenient at times.
Features Overview:
- Harmonic edition, MIDI sequence editor, Tuned for the best integration with PreSonus MIDI controller and other audio equipment from PreSonus.
Pros:
- Modern UI.
- Advanced Sampler.
- Harmonic Editing (printable notations).
- Studio One Prime version available for free (only for beginners).
Cons:
- In-built effects & virtual instruments aren’t that impressive.
LMMS (Free)
LMMS is a free & open-source, cross-platform digital audio workstation that is an easy GarageBand Alternative for Windows. This features a modern easy-to-use UI to let you efficiently operate it and create music. This software utility comes baked in with instrument and effect plugins, preset, sample loops, and VST. Although the VST database isn’t huge. Therefore, if you are into music production for essential covers, instrumentals, background score, and so on, LMMS should do the trick.
Features Overview:
- Playback instruments, Samples, plugin support, SoundFont support and Open-Source.
Pros:
- Free to use.
- Open-source.
- Easy-to-use UI
- SoundFont support
Cons:
- Not a large pool of instruments baked in.
- Limited plugin compatibility.
FL Studio 20
The FL Studio is a beast when it comes to creating music. This offers a massive library of loops, plugins, and instruments. As well, Depending on what edition you purchase, you will get the loop content, samples, plugins, and devices required for your project. So, I wouldn’t recommend FL Studio’s fruity edition – Thus, if you plan to get FL Studio to replace using GarageBand – Now, you should contact the producer edition at least.
Features Overview:
- Multi-touch support, Automation Control, Multi-track audio recording with quick pitch shifting, Over 80 plugins included, Mobile version available as well.
Pros:
- Advanced beat making.
- Great automation control.
- It’s a large pool of inbuilt plugins.
- Mobile version available (if this matters).
Cons:
- MIDI controller help is not impressive (I’ve had errors when I used it).
- It’s 3rd Party VST integrations are not suitable as well.
Pro Tools (Free/Paid)
Pro Tools is one of the bestest digital audio workstation available for professionals. If you’re reasonably new to the music creation scene, Pro Tools First version should be your preference – which is available for free. You’ll get all the essential tools to create a fantastic piece of music. Obviously, the loop library will be much smaller than the paid version – but it’s doable. This is way better than GarageBand – for obvious reasons.
Features Overview:
- Track freeze, Advanced monitoring capabilities, Over 60 plugins included, Cloud collaboration.
Pros:
- MIDI editing enhancements.
- Pro Tools is a First – free tool for beginners.
- Pro Tools Subscription (you don’t require to pay a massive amount if you need a music production software temporarily).
Cons:
- In-built plugins aren’t that great.
Ableton
Ableton Live is the one you would hear the most as a professional suggestion to have when you have a MIDI controller. As well, every DAW mentioned in this article is well-equipped with features to integrate a MIDI controller. Although Ableton Live seems to be a popular choice for that. Suppose you have Ableton Push device – that’s a plus. You will probably even forget why you would want GarageBand for Windows.
Features Overview:
- Live community, Instant mappings, Sampler, Perfectly tuned for Novation MIDI controllers.
Pros:
- It’ has a Good loop library.
- It’s Easy-to-use Interface.
- Good 3rd Party plugin integration support.
Cons:
- It’s a bit expensive.
T6 DAW by Tracktion (Free)
This T6 DAW is a free GarageBand alternative for Windows. It’s free with no in-app purchases. You can perform all the necessary music production stuff without spending a penny. Though, if you want to utilize its rich plugin collection, enhanced virtual instruments, and more, you will have to purchase them separately.
Features Overview:
- Advanced MIDI controls, Clip Nesting, In-line step sequencing.
Pros:
- Free to use.
- Easy to use UI.
- Supports Linux platform as well.
Cons:
- Lacks 3rd party plugin integration.
Mixcraft 8
This Acoustica’s Mixcraft 8 is a great tool to make music for all level of creators. Also, for beginners, it is a must-have GarageBand Replacement for Windows. Plus, it isn’t heavy on the system resources – thus even if you have an old laptop to experiment with, then you can give it a shot. As well, When compared to other DAWs, this Mixcraft 8 is a cheaper alternative with all the advanced tools so you can imagine for a music production software.
Features Overview:
- Integrated Melodyne Tuning software, iZotope mastering tools.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing.
- Best for novices
- Easy-to-use Interface
- Loaded with lots of inbuilt plugins and loops
Cons:
- It’s Lacks 3rd party plugin integrations (with quite a few essential VSTs).
Reaper
An immensely popular DAW which is a budget alternative to other expensive music production software utilities. This comes baked in with almost every essential tool required for a professional to make music.
Features Overview:
- The MIDI Notation Editor, Rescript (Create anything from simple macros to complex new functionality), Real-time programming track while utilizing a Video.
Pros:
- It’s Affordable
- VST3 Support
- Suitable for beginners
Cons:
- Less built-in effects & plugins.
SONAR by Cakewalk
SONAR is like a digital audio workstation that can act as a powerful GarageBand replacement for Windows PCs. Plus, it offers better/cheaper pricing plans – in case you do not want to spend a fortune to experiment in making music. As well, The best thing about it is – you can try the software for 30 days without requiring to offers your credit card details. Therefore, yeah, it should be a great deal – when you already know what you are getting, before purchasing it.
Features Overview:
- Automation, MIDI routing support, Scripting, Control surfaces.
Pros:
- Scripting
- Automation
- A broad 3rd party integration support
Cons:
- Less in-built effects and plugins.
Final Words :
Well, We do realize that we cannot use GarageBand on Windows – because there’s no official support whatsoever. Also, GarageBand isn’t the best solution for you to create music. Yeah, it could come handy if you have a MacBook and an iPad. Though, for Windows, the alternatives offer better and more robust features than GarageBand itself. Thus, you should try the other options – and if you are a professional – Studio One, Ableton Live and Cubase, would be my recommendation.
